After victory over Old Streetonians the visitors, who Holt haven’t played in a league fixture for over a decade, will be travelling to Norfolk in confident mood.

Coaches Ed Steed and Penny Chapman reflected on last week’s defeat to third place Chelmsford, with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. Disappointment at the loss and frustration that once again this was to a large extent down to their own indiscipline,

“Both Penny and I thought that there was something in the game for us and looking back I think we both feel we should have got at least a losing bonus point from it and probably more,” said Steed.

“Performance-wise there wasn’t much to choose between the two sides. Chelmsford had a big, strong pack who were very effective at the break down and a good set of backs but I think our boys competed well against them, especially in the second half, when I thought we were the better side.”

Poor discipline was something that had been addressed in training before the Chelmsford game, so it must have been galling for the two head coaches to see their side gift their opponents nine points for needless penalties in the first half. Following a frank talk from the coaches, Holt were more controlled in the second half but the damage was already done.

“As coaches there is only so much you can do to address the problem of discipline. The players have to sort this out for themselves,” said Steed. “They have to realise that in this league, we are not just coming up against better players but also a better standard of referees, who don’t tolerate things you get away with at a lower level. Until we do it could continue to cost us dearly’.

With Holt slipping to fifth in the table and Saffron Walden moving above them to fourth, a difficult encounter can be anticipated for the second Saturday in a row.

However, with physio Andy Siddall, reporting no fresh injuries Holt will be able to choose from a near full strength squad. Ben Harvey is likely to continue at fly half for the still unavailable Tom Jackson and Tim Allen is likely to remain in the back row following his man of the match performance last week. Stuart Robson also returns to the squad, giving a further option on the wing.

Holt will be unveiling their new ‘All Black’ style kit this weekend, sponsored by main club sponsor, Bakers and Larners of Holt.

• Diss may not have been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks but the fact remains that they are on a decent run of results, and have won two and drawn one of their previous three fixtures in London 1N.

Tomorrow they have a tough looking fixture, with in-form Luton providing the opposition at Mackenders. After a poor start to the season the visitors have won four of their past five matches and currently stand fifth in the table, two places above Diss.